Study finds over half of U.K. voters now back rejoining the EU

A December 2023 poll shows over half of U.K. voters now favour rejoining the European Union, a marked shift since the 2016 referendum.

The finding matters because it could pressure the ruling Labour government and opposition parties to revisit Brexit strategy, influencing upcoming elections and trade talks with Brussels. A majority view may also affect public debate on the economic costs of leaving, from supply‑chain disruptions to regulatory divergence.

The Independent said that the poll, released in December 2023, asked a cross‑section of voters whether they supported the U.K. rejoining the EU. More than half of British voters now back re‑joining the EU. The result showed support from more than fifty percent of respondents ^[1]. The remaining respondents either opposed or were unsure.

Analysts said the shift reflects growing dissatisfaction with the economic and regulatory outcomes of leaving the bloc, and a preference for full membership rather than a limited partnership ^[2]. The poll shows a clear shift in public opinion since the 2016 Brexit vote. A poll cited by AOL said this sentiment, noting that voters view re‑entry as a way to regain trade benefits and political influence within Europe ^[4].

While Labour and the Conservatives have both ruled out an immediate vote on re‑joining, the new data could force them to outline clearer policy options. The SNP has long advocated for a second referendum, and the increasing public support may give it more leverage in coalition talks. The result therefore adds a new variable to the post‑Brexit political calculus.

The Guardian said that support for re‑joining has risen from roughly thirty percent in 2019 to the current majority, underscoring a long‑term trend toward closer EU ties ^[2]. The same report notes that the shift is most pronounced among younger voters and those living in urban areas, though the study did not publish a regional breakdown.

When respondents were asked whether they favored full EU membership or a looser customs arrangement, voters prefer full EU membership over a limited customs partnership, rejecting proposals for a limited partnership that would leave the U.K. outside the single market ^[2]. This suggests that the public appetite is not for a half‑measure but for complete reintegration.

**What this means** – If the trend holds, the next government may face mounting pressure to negotiate a formal re‑entry plan, potentially triggering a new referendum or parliamentary vote. The shift also signals to EU leaders that public sentiment in Britain is moving away from isolation, which could shape future diplomatic overtures.